Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

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  Best car I have ever had - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Happy 749iL Owner - November 7 - 9:52 pm

  I had owned a 1998 740iL for 8 years and absolutely loved it. When it became apparent that it would not pass inspection this coming year due to rust I decided to look for a new car. After looking at many new cars, even visiting the Detroit Auto show I decided to buy a 2001 740iL. This car handles so well, it is an absolute dream to drive. It makes all other cars feel awful to drive after driving the 740. The power is amazing as well and gets better fuel millage than most cars its size and many smaller. Simply put it is an amazing buy for luxury power and great looks.

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  Gotta love it - 2005 BMW X5
  By bimmer girl - November 7 - 12:23 pm

  Our car now has 90,000 miles on it, and I still smile every time I drive it. It is so responsive, and tight around the corners, that I often forget that Im in a huge SUV. I was almost ran off the road one day with my 2 kids in the back, and I fought to keep the vehicle on the road, but the BMW handled so well, that we got back on track and on our way. I truly believe that in any other SUV we would have tipped and crashed. People keep mentioning gas mileage, but they forget they bought a performance car! Indy cars and jet planes dont get great mileage either! I think its pretty good- we average about 22 and got 28 on a long highway trip!

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  335i sedan - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By J Learner - November 6 - 2:20 am

  2007 335i is a great car. Twin turbos supply plenty of horses yet good fuel economy. Typical great BMW handling and braking. Interior is well laid out and more room in the back than previous 3 series. Have really enjoyed the car!

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  MY FIRST BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Lil Deb - November 5 - 10:00 am

  TEST DROVE AND LOOKED AT MANY VEHICLES IN THE 330S CLASS, BMW IS DEFINITELY THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. SOME OF ITS COMPETITORS HAVE MORE GIZMOS AND LUXURY FEATURES BUT YOU CARES! THIS CAR GETS RIGHT TO THE POINT; THE FUN OF DRIVING. IF YOU LIKE TO DRIVE THIS IS THE VEHICLE FOR YOU. EFFORTLESS POWER FROM THE IN-LINE 6 CYLINDER. REAR WHEEL DRIVE IS AWESOME; FORGET AWD OR FRONT WHEEL DRIVE - SUCK IT UP! DEFINITELY CAN SEE WHY THE 3 SERIES HAS BEEN VOTED TO CAR & DRIVERS TEN BEST LIST FOR 13 STRAIGHT YEAR. 5 SPEED STEPTRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WORKS SURPRISINGLY WELL FOR AN AUTOMATIC, WANTED 6 SPEED MANUAL BUT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AROUNG ME ARE TOUGH.

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  ITS FUN TO DRIVE - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By auto61726 - November 5 - 7:40 am

  We had eight years of SUVs and wanted back into an auto. We drove every style of the Big Three; Honda; VW and Toyota. Only when we drove BMW 325 Ci were we able to smile. It was our first time be- hind the wheel of a BMW. Its practically culture shock after driving our Blazer & Saturn. The road feel, security, and braking power is beyond description. It goes without saying this car BEGS to be driven. If you have a heavy foot, better go bare footed. After a Blazer---yeah, its borders on being awesome.

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  No regrets so far... - 2006 BMW X5
  By Ralph Whitsitt - November 4 - 12:07 pm

  Got a great deal on an 06 X5 and took the plunge purchasing my first BMW. Its amazing how smooth and quiet the vehicle is at highway speeds compared to the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee I owned previously. Granted, the tires probably have a lot to do with that, but engine and wind noise are way lower too. Love the grunt that the 3.0 inline six delivers--it loves to rev!! I was a little concerned about the gas mileage, but its been a big improvement over the Explorer, getting 23 or 24 mpg for pure highway driving. Premium unleaded can get a bit expensive when prices are up and synthetic oil drives up the cost of oil changes, but so far Im dealing with it and loving the way it drives!

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  Frickin Rocket Ship!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By macmovieman - November 4 - 3:43 am

  This is my dream car. My last 3 cars have all been from Mercedes and after owning this just a few hours now I am wondering why I did not jump ship faster. The gearbox is state of the art and shifts are fast and smooth. The car corners flat and little or no hint of body roll on the high speed sweepers even under braking. I bought the car with every option but iDrive because I like the simplicity of the cabin without it. Edmunds shows the 2007 Corvette 0-60 at 5.23 seconds. I am looking forward to the day I meet one at a light.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By scott - November 3 - 12:19 pm

  Car gets great gas mileage with great performance, super quiet interior. This is my first BMW but it wont be my last. Im hooked!

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  Sweet car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Manny - November 2 - 5:59 pm

  Interesting to see all of the problems with the twins 535i. On BMW number 3, first 528i after two 3 series a 99 and a 06. Traded up from the 06 325i with 16" run flats, and could not stand the ride anymore, although it cornered like it was on rails. Chose the 528i because I did not want run flats tires on the next bimmer. Car runs great and has only needed one oil change thus far. Drove a 1200 miles round trip averaging 30 mpg at 80 mph. If not sure, stick with the aspirated inline 6s they are bullet prove. Ask any service center mechanic and they will tell you that the 5s are the most trouble free BMWs in the line up. Good solid car.

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  Amazing 2010 X6 5.0 - 2010 BMW X6
  By Low Note - November 2 - 8:10 am

  My 2010 X6 5.0 is amazing. Fast, plenty of room inside, and something that will challenge a good driverÂ’s skills every day. Perhaps the best compliment I can pay to the BMW X6 5.0 is that it is like playing on a great musical instrument. Know how to play it, and it will reward you with an experience that cannot be described in words.